Five New Silica Complaints Filed in New Jersey Superior Court

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Five lawsuits alleging injuries caused by exposure to silica dust were filed recently in New Jersey, where plaintiffs have applied to have silica litigation designated as a mass tort under the state's administrative rules. Hickman v. 3M Co., No. L-003657-04; Viera v. Federal White Cement, Ltd., No. L-004043-04; Bauman v. 3M Co., No. L-004168-04; Oquendo v. 3M Co., No. L-004169-04; Ploucher v. 3M Co., No. L-004172-04 (N.J. Super. Ct., Middlesex Cty.).

The complaints, all filed in June in Middlesex County Superior Court, allege that the plaintiffs developed silicosis as a result of their exposures. The complaints …